If you love heart-pounding dystopian adventures, impossible puzzles, and teens fighting for survival against all odds, James Dashner’s Maze Runner series—one of the most popular James Dashner Books collections—is pure adrenaline on the page. With mind-bending twists, terrifying creatures called Grievers, and the constant question “What is the Flare?”, this series has hooked millions of readers (and spawned a blockbuster movie franchise).
Whether you’re a new reader or coming back for a re-read before the rumored new projects, here’s the definitive, up-to-date reading order for the entire Maze Runner universe in 2025.
List Of The Maze Runner Books In Order To Read
Here is the complete and up-to-date (December 2025) list of all Maze Runner books and novellas by James Dashner in a clean table format, including both publication order and chronological order.
| # | Title | Type | Publication Year | Reading Order (Recommended) | Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Maze Runner | Main Novel | 2009 | 1 | 3 | Book 1 of original trilogy |
| 2 | The Scorch Trials | Main Novel | 2010 | 2 | 4 | Book 2 of original trilogy |
| 3 | The Death Cure | Main Novel | 2011 | 3 | 5 | Book 3 of original trilogy |
| 4 | The Kill Order | Prequel Novel | 2012 | 4 | 1 | Takes place ~13 years before The Maze Runner |
| 5 | The Fever Code | Prequel Novel | 2016 | 5 | 2 | Shows how the Maze was built and the origins of Thomas, Teresa, Newt, etc. |
| 6 | Crank Palace | Novella | 2020 | 6 | 6 | Newt-focused story set during/after The Death Cure |
Publication vs. Chronological Order: Which Should You Choose?
- Publication order = the way most fans experienced the story (recommended for first-time readers – preserves all the surprises!)
- Chronological order = follows the in-world timeline (great for re-reads or die-hard fans)
I’ll give you both!
1. Recommended Reading Order (Publication Order – Best for First-Timers)
- The Maze Runner (2009) The one that started it all. Thomas wakes up in a lift with no memories, surrounded by teenage boys trapped in the Glade – a giant maze that changes every night and is filled with biomechanical monsters. Iconic.
- The Scorch Trials (2010) The Gladers think they’re safe… until WCKD throws them into the scorched wasteland outside the maze. New allies, new betrayals, and the horrifying truth about the Flare virus.
- The Death Cure (2011) The epic conclusion to the original trilogy. Thomas and the remaining Gladers storm WCKD’s headquarters for answers – and revenge. Warning: tears may be involved.
- The Kill Order (2012) – Prequel Go back to the beginning of the end. Set 13 years before The Maze Runner, this shows the solar flares, the release of the Flare virus, and a young Mark and Trina fighting to survive the chaos.
- The Fever Code (2016) – Prequel The missing piece! Discover how Thomas, Teresa, Newt, Minho, and the others ended up in the maze in the first place. This book answers almost every lingering question from the trilogy.
- Crank Palace (2020) – Novella A heartbreaking side story following Newt after the events of The Death Cure. If you love Newt (and who doesn’t?), this one will destroy you in the best way.
2. Chronological Order (In-World Timeline)
- The Kill Order (prequel – solar flares & initial Flare outbreak)
- The Fever Code (prequel – building the maze & early trials)
- The Maze Runner
- The Scorch Trials
- The Death Cure
- Crank Palace (takes place during/after The Death Cure)
Bonus: The Maze Runner Short Stories & Companion Books
- “Inside the Maze Runner: The Guide to the Glade” – Fun behind-the-scenes info, maps, and character profiles (great for younger readers).
- Several free short stories were once available on Dashner’s website or in special editions (e.g., stories about Group B and Sonya). They’re harder to find now, but worth hunting for!
Quick FAQ
Q: Do I have to read the prequels? A: Not at all for your first read! The original trilogy stands perfectly on its own. Save The Kill Order and The Fever Code for after The Death Cure – they hit much harder that way.
Q: Is Crank Palace necessary? A: Emotionally? Yes. For the main plot? No. But it gives beautiful closure to one of the most beloved characters.
Q: Are there any new Maze Runner books coming in 2025 or beyond? A: As of December 2025, James Dashner has not announced a new full-length Maze Runner novel, but he has teased “more stories in this world” on social media. Fingers crossed!
Final Tip from a Superfan
Read the original trilogy (Maze Runner → Scorch Trials → Death Cure) straight through without stopping. Then take a breather, cry a little, and dive into the prequels. You’ll thank me later.
Ready to enter the Glade? Grab The Maze Runner on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or your local library and start running. The maze is waiting.
WCKD is good… or is it? 😉
Which book are you starting with? Drop your favorite Maze Runner moment in the comments – no spoilers for newbies! 🏃♂️
